Andrew Hetherington has left his job as chief executive of Irish packaging recycling compliance scheme Repak.

According to the Irish Times newspaper, he was dismissed in March following an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the company, although it has not been confirmed that he was involved in the irregularities and he has denied involvement in an interview with the Irish Independent newspaper.

In a statement Repak said that it had terminated his contract. It added: “The board has now placed the matter in the hands of its lawyers and for legal reasons no further comment can be made.

“Repak is now in the process of seeking a new chief executive to take the organisation forward to a fresh phase of development.”

It is understood that consultants Grant Thornton were brought in to conduct an inquiry into Repak’s finances earlier this year, and Mr Hetherington went on sick leave shortly after, before losing his job in March.

After 16 years in the role as chief executive, Repak has reached 65 per cent of all packaging being recycled in Ireland under his leadership.

The organisation, which is licensed by the Minister of Environment, to run a statutory recycling scheme for retailers and other large packaging producers, has around 2,400 members.